Mining export boom threatens to wreck Great Barrier Reef

[Judi Lynn]

Mining export boom threatens to wreck Great Barrier Reef
Saturday, June 16, 2012
By Mel Barnes

Coal and gas developments proposed in Queensland are putting Australia's Great Barrier Reef at risk, says a report by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

The report, released on June 1, said there were “a number of developments that, were they to proceed, would provide the basis to consider the inscription of the property on the List of World Heritage in Danger”.

This is a serious warning that could risk Queensland's tourism industry, which relies heavily on the reef. The report said “decisive action is required to secure its long-term conservation. The rapid increase of coastal developments, including ports infrastructure, is of significant concern.”

The developments referred to are part of a huge expansion in coal and gas exports linked to several mega mines in Queensland’s Galilee Basin. As well as the mines, there are also plans for a new 495 kilometre railway from central Queensland to Abbot Point on the coast, new port facilities and up to 10,000 export ships travelling through the reef every year.

More:
http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/51343

[dipsydoodle]

1. Nation shamed on Great Barrier Reef

AUSTRALIA had failed to protect the Great Barrier Reef says a United Nations report, that calls for a panel of overseas experts to review the natural wonder and safeguard its future.
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Development in Queensland was out of control with about 35 projects slated for approval in the next year putting the reef at further risk, according to a report by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation.

UNESCO says urgent measures must be taken to protect the World Heritage Area and warns against any further development before a critical assessment is completed by 2015.

"The scale and pace of development proposals appear beyond the capacity for independent, quality and transparent decision-making," the report said.

June 21, 2012 http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/more-news/nation-shamed-on-great-barrier-reef/story-fn7x8me2-1226403475261

[Petrushka]

2. No threat ---> See link to another story (dated 6-21-2012---yesterday) --->

http://www.frasercoastchronicle.com.au/story/2012/06/21/no-threat-reef-seeney/